LobbyComply Blog

On March 9, the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada, Nancy Bélanger, presented recommendations to lawmakers concerning the country’s lobbying laws and regulations. Bélanger appeared before the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI) of the Canadian House of Commons. Among Bélanger’s recommendations are clarification of who qualifies as in-house lobbyists; disclosure of all employees who lobby for their employer; disclosure of all funding provided to support lobbying activities; and disclosure of all entities that control and have a direct interest in the outcome of the lobbying. On February 12, the Canadian House of Commons had ordered ETHI to review the nation’s lobbying law. The law itself requires a comprehensive review of the provisions and operations of the law to be taken every five years. Within a year after the committee’s review is undertaken, the ETHI must submit a report on the review to parliament that includes a statement of any changes to the Lobbying Act or its operation that the committee recommends.

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Campaign Finance

North Carolina: “Republican NC Elections Board Member Resigns Over Prohibited Campaign Donations” by Kyle Ingram (Raleigh News & Observer) for Yahoo News

Oregon: “Oregon Lawmakers Approve Controversial Changes to Campaign Finance Law; Advocates Pledge to Bring Issue to Ballot” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

National: “Rep. Gonzales Drops Reelection Bid After Admitting to Affair with Aide” by Amy Wang and Hannah Knowles (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Bulletproof Vests and Rolex Watches: The rise and fall of Kristi Noem” by Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Hamed Aleaziz (New York Times) for Seattle Times

National: “Justice Department Publishes Documents with Sexual Assault Allegations Against Trump” by Erica Orden (Politico) for MSN

Ohio: “Prosecution Wraps Its Case in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial. What’s Next?” by Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Virginia: “Virginia Moves to Forbid Schools from Teaching That Jan. 6 Was Peaceful” by Gregory Schneider and Lauren Lumpkin (Washington Post) for MSN

Lobbying

Pennsylvania: “A Silicon Valley Firm Offered Gift Cards as Part of a Campaign to Defeat Pa. Regulation. Lawmakers Say That’s Unethical.” by Stephen Caruso for Spotlight PA

National/Federal

New York Woman Who Duped Investors and Funneled Money to Trump Fundraiser Gets 9 Years in Prison

MSN – Associated Press | Published: 2/27/2026

Sherry Xue Li was sentenced to nine years in federal prison over a financial scheme that ripped off more than $30 million from foreign investors and funneled some of the stolen money into U.S. political campaigns, including a fundraiser for President Trump. Li pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. by obstructing the FEC’s administration of campaign finance laws. Her co-defendant, Lianbo Wang, also pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to five years in prison.

DOJ Sues 5 More States for Access to Voter Rolls

MSN – Jacob Wendler (Politico) | Published: 2/26/2026

The Department of Justice filed suit against five additional states, demanding they share election data with the Trump administration amid its nationwide push for access to state voter rolls. With the latest wave of legal action, the department has now sued more than two dozen states as a part of its push for access to voter files. Most of those states are controlled by Democrats, although the latest spate of suits includes four states that supported Donald Trump in 2020 and 2024 The fifth state sued was New Jersey.

Trump Admin Asked a Court to Drop Court Fights Against Law Firms Tied to Democrats. Now It’s Changing Its Mind

MSN – Katelyn Polantz (CNN) | Published: 3/3/2026

The Justice Department told four large law firms targeted by President Trump that its decision to withdraw from court fights with them is being reversed. The latest move appears to restart Trump’s attempts to try to block the firms from federal government access over their ties to Democrats. Trump had attempted to use the powers of the presidency to prevent the firms’ lawyers from accessing federal buildings, securing classified information, and meeting with federal agencies, all mainstays of Washington-based legal work. The firms challenged the executive orders and have so far won in court.

Trump Allies Claim Victory as the Ellisons Expand Their Media Empire

MSN – Will Oremus, Liam Scott, Cat Zakrzewski, and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 2/28/2026

Netflix’s withdrawal cleared the way for David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance to take the reins of CNN, whose coverage President Trump has labeled “fake news.” Among power players in politics and media, Paramount’s acquisition is widely viewed as a win for the right amid a broader push to rein in what many conservatives view as a liberal slant in the media and entertainment industries. In Washington, questions have swirled as to what role was played by a president who famously relishes dealmaking.

Trump, Seeking Executive Power Over Elections, Is Urged to Declare Emergency

MSN – Isaac Arnsdorf (Washington Post) | Published: 2/26/2026

Pro-Trump activists who say they are in coordination with the White House are circulating a draft executive order that claims China interfered in the 2020 election as a basis to declare a national emergency that would unlock extraordinary presidential power over voting. President Trump has repeatedly previewed a plan to mandate voter ID and ban mail ballots in November’s midterm elections, and the activists expect their draft will figure into Trump’s promised executive order on the issue.

Trump Justice Department Aims to Limit Ethics Probes into Its Lawyers

MSN – Andrew Goudsward (Reuters) | Published: 3/4/2026

The U.S. Justice Department is seeking to constrain ethics investigations conducted at the state level into alleged misconduct by its lawyers, according to a proposed rule that would shield prosecutors pursuing President Trump’s agenda. The proposal would give the U.S. attorney general the right to review misconduct allegations against current or former Justice Department attorneys and request that disciplinary authorities at the state level suspend their investigations.

Cornyn, Paxton Reach Runoff; Other Takeaways from Big Election Night

MSN – Teo Armus (Washington Post) | Published: 3/3/2026

The 2026 midterm election season kicked off with primaries in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Texas, featuring several high-profile contests that will set the tone for November as voters weigh in on President Trump’s second administration and Democrats debate their party’s direction. Republicans are defending a thin majority in the House, and they have tried to bolster their efforts by redrawing congressional maps in several GOP-controlled states. The elections put a spotlight on those new maps in Texas and North Carolina, where the party has targeted six Democratic-held seats and prompted some intraparty battles in the process.

Judge Restores Lawmakers’ Unfettered Access to ICE Detention Facilities

Yahoo News – Kyle Cheney (Politico) | Published: 3/2/2026

The Department of Homeland Security may not bar members of Congress from making unannounced visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities, a federal judge ruled, blocking a policy imposed in January. U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb ruled Noem’s policy was crafted with funds that Congress specifically said could not be used to impede lawmakers’ visits to detention facilities, even if those visits are not announced in advance.

Bill Clinton Says He ‘Did Nothing Wrong’ with Epstein as He Faces Grilling Over Their Relationship

Yahoo News – Stephen Groves (Associated Press) | Published: 2/27/2026

Former President Bill Clinton told members of Congress he “did nothing wrong” in his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and saw no signs of Epstein’s sexual abuse as he faced grilling from lawmakers over his connections to the disgraced financier from more than two decades ago. The closed-door deposition marks the first time a former president has been compelled to testify to Congress. It came a day after Clinton’s wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, sat with lawmakers for her own deposition.

Rep. Tony Gonzales, Forced into Runoff, Admits to Affair with Aide Who Died by Suicide

Yahoo News – Gabby Birenbaum (Texas Tribune) | Published: 3/4/2026

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales admitted to having an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a staff member who later died by suicide, after initially denying the allegation. The San Antonio Express-News had published a screenshot of a text sent by Santos-Aviles to a fellow staffer in which she said she had an ‘affair with our boss.” Gonzales’ admission comes after he was forced into a primary runoff against Brandon Herrera, who has criticized Gonzales on both policy and personal fronts.

From the States and Municipalities

Arizona – Arizona Senate Passes Republican ‘Pay-to-Play’ Reform Bill, Not Hobbs’ Plan

KJZZ – Wayne Schutsky | Published: 3/3/2026

A bill designed to give the public more information about state contractors who also donate to political campaigns passed the Arizona Senate with just Republican support, despite bipartisan calls to reform the state’s procurement and campaign finance reporting laws. The legislation would require state contractors and companies bidding on state business to disclose “anything of value” they have given to a governor or related political efforts over the past five years.

California – Secret Payments, Win Bonuses Discussed for Angel Stadium Deal, Other Projects

Los Angeles Times – Gabriel San Roman | Published: 2/28/2026

Todd Ament, an Anaheim Chamber of Commerce leader, emailed a lobbyist confidant, Jeff Flint, and asked for a meeting to discuss more than $500,000 in payments from companies with proposed projects in Anaheim. A ledger with handwritten notes suggests the two men, who later emerged as central figures in a political corruption probe into a self-described “cabal” that ran Anaheim, met sometime after the email was sent to divvy up the money. The documents offer a glimpse into a shadowy world where lobbyists collect big bounties for influencing legislation or securing contracts for clients from local government agencies without full disclosure.

California – QAnon Darling, Perennial GOP L.A. Congressional Candidate Sentenced to 4 Years for Fraud

MSN – Cierra Morgan and Clara Harter (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/23/2026

A Republican who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars running unsuccessfully against U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters four times was sentenced to four years in federal prison for misusing campaign funds. Omar Navarro pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud for defrauding his own election campaign. The perennial candidate had raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years from prominent right-wing figures while promoting QAnon conspiracy theories but never cracked 25 percent of the vote.

California – These Public Documents Are Hidden from View. Two California Lawmakers Want to Change That

MSN – Ryan Sabalow (CalMatters) | Published: 3/3/2026

Two California lawmakers are trying to reveal legislative documents that are technically public records but are difficult for even the most seasoned Capitol insiders to access. The documents are letters registered lobbyists and advocacy groups send the Legislature to support or oppose bills. But having to separately request letters to legislative staff for each bill before lawmakers – more than 2,000 each year – is tedious and time-consuming. Each proposal can generate dozens of letters.

California – San Jose Mayor’s Social Media Use Faces Criticism

SFGate – Keith Menconi (San Jose Spotlight) | Published: 3/2/2026

Just weeks after announcing his run for governor, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan launched two new social media accounts on X and Instagram, each one designated as a city-backed account for official messaging. The move came amid City Hall grumbles about the mayor’s longstanding practice of using individual social media accounts for both city business and to promote his own personal brand. Such complaints have grown louder as Mahan’s personal channels have turned their focus more toward promoting his gubernatorial campaign.

Colorado – Former Colorado State Senator Sentenced to Probation for Fabricating Letters Amid Ethics Investigation

KUNC – Taylor Dolven (Colorado Sun) | Published: 2/27/2026

Former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis was sentenced to two years of probation for her attempts to mislead the Colorado Senate Ethics Committee by fabricating letters of support during an investigation into her alleged mistreatment of Capitol aides. She will also have to complete 150 hours of public service and pay a $3,000 fine.

Colorado – Colorado Governor Signals Willingness to Release Tina Peters from Prison Amid Trump Pressure

Yahoo News – Colleen Slevin and Nicholas Riccardi (Associated Press) | Published: 3/4/2026

Colorado’s Democratic governor, facing a pressure campaign from President Trump, is signaling his openness to granting clemency to a former county clerk who was convicted in a scheme that attempted to find proof of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. A social media post by Gov. Jared Polis brought swift rebuke from the state’s attorney general, secretary of state, and the association representing local election officials, who said such an action would send the wrong message to anyone seeking to interfere with elections ahead of this year’s midterms.

Illinois – Aurora Mayor John Laesch’s Proposed Ethics Reform Package Heads to a City Council Vote

Yahoo News – R. Christian Smith (Chicago Tribune) | Published: 3/4/2026

Aurora Mayor John Laesch’s promised campaign ethics reform package heads to a final City Council vote soon, but several aldermen have expressed concerns with it. The proposed regulations would prevent those who are doing business with the city or seeking a contract from donating more than $1,500 per year to candidates running for city office. It would also expand economic interest disclosures required of candidates and elected officials.

Kentucky – State Republicans Look to Reshape Louisville’s Ethics Commission

Louisville Public Media – Roberto Roldan | Published: 3/2/2026

A proposal currently before the Kentucky House would dissolve Louisville’s Ethics Commission at the end of this year, replacing all its members. House Bill 607 would require that the commission be evenly split between the two parties. One person would have to be a registered Independent or a member of a third party.

Maryland – Maryland Delegate’s Campaign Spending on Travel, Dining, and Resort Raises Legal Questions

WBFF – Gary Collins (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 3/3/2026

A review of campaign finance filings shows that first-term Del. Gary Simmons spent nearly all the money his campaign committee raised in 2025. That includes thousands of dollars on meals, out-of-state travel, and a casino. The reported expenditures raise questions about whether certain expenses complied with Maryland campaign finance law, which prohibits the personal use of donor funds.

Michigan – Up North Resort Ownership Poses More Oakland County Ethics Questions

Blue Water Healthy Living – Dave Boucher (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 2/27/2026

Royal Oak, Michigan is about 200 miles south of the Blue Haven Beach Resort on Lake Huron. But the owners of the resort are very familiar with Royal Oak and Oakland County. The owners and their families are some of that area’s most prominent elected officials. The Up North spot and the people behind it are another example of possible ethical issues in Oakland County, where relationships, investments, and votes on public deals are under scrutiny.

Mississippi – DraftKings and Entergy Spent Over $100K on a Super Bowl Weekend for Two Mississippi Politicians, Staffers and Spouses

Mississippi Today – Michael Goldberg and Taylor Vance | Published: 3/3/2026

Sports gambling giant DraftKings and energy company Entergy spent a combined $107,398 on a 2025 Super Bowl weekend for Speaker Jason White, House Public Utilities Committee Chairperson Brent Powell, White’s staff, and a couple of their spouses. The spending was only recently made public in official lobbying reports because of Mississippi’s weak reporting requirements. In 2025, days after House lawmakers voted to legalize online betting for the second time, the speaker’s staffers enjoyed the hospitality of DraftKings at its Super Bowl festivities.

Missouri – Missouri Bill Targets ‘Date Rape’ Drugs After Lawmaker Suspects She Was Drugged

Yahoo News – Jason Hancock (Missouri Independent) | Published: 3/3/2026

When state Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs first arrived in Jefferson City as a lobbyist, a woman who had been around the Capitol longer offered advice that sounded absurd for a statehouse job. Do not drink from the “special refrigerator” in someone’s office. Do not go for one-on-one drinks after hours. Do not accept an open beverage you did not see poured. Fuchs followed the rules and then won a seat in the House. During her first session last year, she broke one rule: she took a drink from someone she did not know well. After that, her memory collapses into gaps.

New Mexico – Miyagishima Says Secretary of State Guidance Led to $125K in Excess Campaign Contributions

New Mexico In Depth – Azure Mitchell | Published: 2/27/2026

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima’s campaign for governor exceeded New Mexico’s contribution limits by more than $125,000 of in-kind support last year. He hopes to get on the fall ballot as an independent. Miyagishima said he received guidance from a staff member of the secretary of state that made him believe the amounts were allowed. In-kind contributions are goods or services provided to a candidate, rather than monetary donations.

New York – Election Officials Say Senate Candidate Defrauded State of Over $200,000

MSN – Emilie Munson (Albany Times Union) | Published: 2/26/2026

Former state Senate candidate Caleb Slater allegedly defrauded the state of more than $200,000 in a fundraising scheme during his 2024 campaign, a probe by the New York Public Campaign Finance Board concluded. A media investigation revealed Slater allegedly paid homeless people and other individuals to make donations to his campaign in exchange for prepaid cash gift cards. Slater then reported those contributions to collect generous matching funds from the state for his campaign.

New York – Supreme Court Blocks Redrawing of Republican-Held Congressional District in New York Over Liberal Dissent

Yahoo News – John Fritze (CNN) | Published: 3/2/2026

The U.S. Supreme Court approved an emergency appeal from a Republican member of Congress from New York who asked the justices to block a state court ruling that ordered her Staten Island-based district to be redrawn ahead of the midterm election. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and state GOP election officials had urged the Supreme Court to allow New York’s current map to be used, an outcome that will benefit Republicans in the midterm amid a flurry of mid-decade redistricting in other parts of the country.

Ohio – A Dead Man’s Actions Take Center Stage in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/2/2026

Two former FirstEnergy executives have spent weeks in court facing corruption accusations. Yet much of the conversation has focused on Sam Randazzo. His death has cast a wide shadow over the trial of the company’s ex-Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and ex-lobbyist Michael Dowling, who are accused of bribing Randazzo, a former state utility regulator. For more than a month, prosecutors and defense attorneys have sparred over Randazzo’s motivations, decisions, and his relationship with FirstEnergy.

Ohio – US Sen. Jon Husted Expected to Testify in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial, Defense Attorney Says

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 3/4/2026

U.S. Sen. Jon Husted is expected to testify in the bribery trial of two former FirstEnergy executives accused of bribing a former state regulator. Husted’s potential testimony has long been a matter of speculation. He was Ohio’s incoming lieutenant governor at the time that prosecutors say Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling bribed Sam Randazzo, the pick of Husted and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to chair the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The commission regulates utilities such as FirstEnergy.

Ohio – Longtime FirstEnergy Lobbyist Accused of Paying a $4.3 Million Bribe Speaks Out for the First Time

Signal Ohio – Jake Zuckerman | Published: 3/2/2026

“It’s greased.” That is how Mike Dowling, the former senior vice president of external affairs of FirstEnergy, described a complex amendment to pending legislation worth tens of millions per year to the company in a text message to the utility’s then-chief executive officer. Not long after, Ohio lawmakers rolled the amendment into House Bill 6, which also included a $1.3 billion bailout for nuclear plants owned by FirstEnergy Solutions, and sent it to Gov. Mike DeWine who signed it into law. Dowling’s deposition on the matter was shown to jurors in his corruption trial.

Ohio – An Ohio Newspaper Has a New Star Writer. It Isn’t Human.

Yahoo News – Will Oremus and Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 3/1/2026

The Plain Dealer, Cleveland’s largest newspaper, has begun to feature a new byline. On recent articles about an ice carving festival, a medical research discovery, and a roaming pack of chicken-slaying dogs, a reporter’s name is paired with the words “Advance Local Express Desk.” It means this article was drafted by artificial intelligence (AI). As once-robust metropolitan newspapers across the country lay off reporters, shutter bureaus, and scale back ambitions, the Plain Dealer is at the forefront of an industry-wide push to reimagine journalism for the AI age.  

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Ethics Board Launches Temporary Portal for Local Campaign Finance Reporting

Yahoo News – Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Watch) | Published: 3/3/2026

Oklahoma’s local election candidates can now comply with a new state campaign finance law by using a temporary electronic filing system. Oklahoma Ethics Commission officials said candidates filing for local elections will ultimately be integrated into the existing Guardian system in the coming months once upgrades are completed, but for now they can file electronically using a temporary portal.

Oklahoma – Bill to Delay Ex-Lawmakers from Becoming Lobbyists Fails Committee Vote

Yahoo News – Spencer Humphrey (KFOR) | Published: 2/25/2026

A bill that would have required former Oklahoma lawmakers to wait several years before returning to the Capitol as lobbyists failed in committee, with concerns centering on the First Amendment rights of former legislators and the groups who may want them as lobbyists. The bill’s author argues the vote shows lawmakers are beholden to special interests.

Oregon – Oregon Lawmakers Advance Bill to Revise Campaign Finance Law Despite Significant Confusion About What It Would Do

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 3/4/2026

Oregon lawmakers are moving to revise the state’s landmark 2024 campaign finance law, even as significant confusion remains about which changes are necessary and good government advocates continue to say a proposed bill would weaken the law. Several lawmakers have acknowledged House Bill 4018 is not perfect. But with key provisions of the law set to go into effect in January, they say they are running out of time to provide the secretary of state’s office the funding and guidance needed to avoid a disastrous rollout.

Oregon – Oregon House Speaker Reprimands Republican Gubernatorial Candidate for Fundraising During Session

Yahoo News – Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) | Published: 2/27/2026

Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey chided the chamber’s sole gubernatorial candidate, state Rep. Ed Diehl, for violating self-imposed House rules by collecting campaign donations during this year’s short legislative session. In a letter of correction sent to Diehl, Fahey urged him to return the money and refrain from accepting further contributions during the session, which must end by March 8.

Rhode Island – Ethics Panel Sets Hearing Date as Supervisor During Infamous Philly Trip Fights to Clear His Name

Yahoo News – Nancy Lavin (Rhode Island Current) | Published: 3/2/2026

A quasi-judicial public hearing before the Rhode Island Ethics Commission will put former Director of Administration James Thorson on trial for his behavior during a now-infamous state business trip to Philadelphia. Thorsen and David Patten, former state properties director, toured a site to see the work of Scout Ltd., a design firm awarded a state contract to redevelop the Cranston Street Armory in Providence. A state investigation found “probable cause” for ethical misconduct by Thorsen on the trip. Thorsen is seeking to clear his name and using a rarely invoked option to contest the findings of ethics investigators.

South Carolina – New Bill Aims to Eliminate Statute of Limitations for Prosecuting Illegal Lobbying

WOLO – Lee Williams | Published: 2/26/2026

A new bill making its way through the state Legislature would get rid of the current four-year statute of limitations for prosecuting illegal lobbying. “If misconduct is uncovered five years from now or 10 years from now, the people of South Carolina still deserve justice …,”  said House Bill 5247’s sponsor, Rep. Joe White.

South Dakota – Some Ethics Documents Meant to Reveal State Board Members’ Conflicts Are Missing

Yahoo News – Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) | Published: 2/27/2026

Nearly half of the financial disclosure documents for South Dakota gubernatorial appointees requiring state Senate approval were not available on the secretary of state’s website, sparking contradictory claims from state offices. When South Dakota’s governor makes a board or commission appointment that requires Senate approval, the appointee is legally obligated to file a financial disclosure document that can be scrutinized for conflicts-of-interest.

Tennessee – Cothren Sent $80,000 Fine for ‘Strawwoman’ PAC

Nashville Scene – Eli Motycka | Published: 3/4/2026

Tennessee campaign finance officials levied an $80,000 fine against former top Republican aide Cade Cothren for obscuring his involvement in the Faith Family Freedom PAC during the 2020 election cycle. State proceedings were delayed due to a federal trial related to Cothren’s involvement in another campaign finance violation. Cothren faced prison time for the scandal before receiving a pardon from President Trump in November.

Tennessee – Conflict of Interest? Lobbying Firm on Metro Schools Payroll Never Revealed Its Work for Major Vendor

WTVF – Phil Williams | Published: 3/3/2026

A high-powered Nashville lobbying firm now admits that while it was getting paid to advise Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), it was also secretly working for a longtime MNPS vendor that was vying for a multimillion-dollar contract. MNPS says the Ingram Group should have revealed the relationship, but the firm insists there was nothing to disclose since the person working on both contracts, former MNPS official Hank Clay, kept the clients separate.

Virginia – Virginia Court Allows a Referendum on Democratic-Led Redistricting That Could Flip 4 US House Seats

Yahoo News – Olivia Diaz (Associated Press) | Published: 3/4/2026

For the second time, Virginia’s Supreme Court ruled voters can cast ballots on a Democratic-led congressional redistricting plan that could help the party win four more U.S. House seats, as the justices review legal challenges to the effort. The court ruled a statewide referendum can be held on April 21 on whether to authorize mid-decade redistricting, upending a temporary restraining order put in place by a Tazewell County judge.

Campaign Finance

Arizona: “Arizona Senate Passes Republican ‘Pay-to-Play’ Reform Bill, Not Hobbs’ Plan” by Wayne Schutsky for KJZZ

California: “QAnon Darling, Perennial GOP L.A. Congressional Candidate Sentenced to 4 Years for Fraud” by Cierra Morgan and Clara Harter (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Oklahoma: “Oklahoma Ethics Board Launches Temporary Portal for Local Campaign Finance Reporting” by Emma Murphy (Oklahoma Watch) for Yahoo News

Oregon: “Oregon Lawmakers Advance Bill to Revise Campaign Finance Law Despite Significant Confusion About What It Would Do” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Rep. Tony Gonzales, Forced into Runoff, Admits to Affair with Aide Who Died by Suicide” by Gabby Birenbaum (Texas Tribune) for Yahoo News

National: “Trump Justice Department Aims to Limit Ethics Probes into Its Lawyers” by Andrew Goudsward (Reuters) for MSN

Ohio: “US Sen. Jon Husted Expected to Testify in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial, Defense Attorney Says” by Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Lobbying

Tennessee: “Conflict of Interest? Lobbying Firm on Metro Schools Payroll Never Revealed Its Work for Major Vendor” by Phil Williams for WTVF

Campaign Finance

National: “New York Woman Who Duped Investors and Funneled Money to Trump Fundraiser Gets 9 Years in Prison” by Associated Press for MSN

Oregon: “Oregon House Speaker Reprimands Republican Gubernatorial Candidate for Fundraising During Session” by Shaanth Nanguneri (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for Yahoo News

Elections

National: “DOJ Sues 5 More States for Access to Voter Rolls” by Jacob Wendler (Politico) for MSN

Ethics

Kentucky: “State Republicans Look to Reshape Louisville’s Ethics Commission” by Roberto Roldan for Louisville Public Media

Ohio: “An Ohio Newspaper Has a New Star Writer. It Isn’t Human.” by Will Oremus and Scott Nover (Washington Post) for Yahoo News

Ohio: “A Dead Man’s Actions Take Center Stage in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial” by Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

South Dakota: “Some Ethics Documents Meant to Reveal State Board Members’ Conflicts Are Missing” by Joshua Haiar (South Dakota Searchlight) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

California: “Secret Payments, Win Bonuses Discussed for Angel Stadium Deal, Other Projects” by Gabriel San Roman for Los Angeles Times

Campaign Finance

National: “How AI Money Is Flooding into the Midterm Elections” by Theodore Schleifer and Matt Zdun (New York Times) for Seattle Times

North Carolina: “State Auditor Says He Wants New Campaign Finance System Running by Next Summer” by Adam Wagner for WUNC

Ethics

National: “Judge Says Government May Not Search Devices Seized from Post Reporter” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Justice Department Withheld and Removed Some Epstein Files Related to Trump” by Stephen Fowler for NPR

Indiana: “Exclusive: Indiana township leaders and their families profit from contracts” by Hayleigh Colombo (Indianapolis Star) for USA Today

Ohio: “FirstEnergy CEO Visited Ohio Regulator’s Florida Mansion After $4.3M Payment, Executive Testifies” by Jake Zuckerman for Signal Ohio

Lobbying

Oklahoma: “Committee Rejects Proposal to Stop Legislators from Quickly Becoming Lobbyists” by Keaton Ross for Oklahoma Watch

Redistricting

Maryland: “Gov. Wes Moore’s Redistricting Plan Is Poised to Die. He’s Still Fighting.” by Erin Cox (Washington Post) for MSN

Campaign Finance

National: “Kyrsten Sinema Accused of Illegally Spending $700,000 in Campaign Funds on Personal Expenses” by Jim Small (Arizona Mirror) for Yahoo News

Hawaii: “‘I Want You to Hear the Facts’: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke releases video clarifying campaign funding scandal” by Cameron Macedonio (KHON) for MSN

Ethics

Arizona: “Political Feud Over Government Accountability in Arizona Gets Personal” by Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) for Arizona Daily Star

National: “Texts Show Rep. Tony Gonzales Asked for Explicit Photos from Aide Who Later Died by Suicide” by Eleanor Klibanoff (Texas Tribune) for MSN

Illinois: “Ex-ComEd Executive Who Went Undercover for FBI in Madigan Bribery Probe Gets Probation” by Jason Meisner (Chicago Tribune) for Yahoo News

Ohio: “DeWine, Husted Messages to Execs Come into Focus at FirstEnergy Trial” by Bryce Buyakie (Akron Beacon Journal) for MSN

Lobbying

California: “Oakland’s Most Influential Lobbyists” by Eli Wolfe for Oaklandside

Redistricting

Utah: “Redistricting: Federal panel denies bid to overturn Utah’s court-ordered congressional map” by Katie McKellar (Utah News Dispatch) for Yahoo News

Campaign Finance

Georgia: “Ga. Gubernatorial Hopeful Burt Jones Suffers Setback in Funding Battle” by Tim Darnell (WRDW) for MSN

Michigan: “Michigan Lawmakers Use Political Funds for Rent, Car Expenses, Netflix” by Craig Mauger (Detroit News) for Blue Water Healthy Living

Oregon: “Shut Out of Campaign Finance Bill, Good Governance Groups Tell Lawmakers to Vote Against It” by Alex Baumhardt (Oregon Capital Chronicle) for MSN

Elections

National: “Why More Lawmakers Are Quitting Congress, and What It Means for the Midterms” by Eric Lau and Anna Liss-Roy (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “Judge Scolds Prosecutors in Hearing on Search of Washington Post Reporter’s Home” by Perry Stein (Washington Post) for MSN

National: “Judge Cannon Orders Secrecy for Report on Trump Classified-Documents Case” by Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “Ohio Supreme Court Strikes Down Media Restrictions in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial” by Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Lobbying

North Carolina: “SBI Probing Kentucky Distillery Tours Taken by NC Lawmakers and Lobbyists” by Dan Kane (Raleigh News & Observer) for MSN

National/Federal

Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore Slavery Exhibits to the President’s House

MSN – Abraham Gutman and Fallon Roth (Philadelphia Inquirer) | Published: 2/16/2026

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore the slavery exhibits the National Park Service removed from the President’s House. The order does not give the government a deadline for the restoration of the site. It does require that the National Park Service take steps to maintain the site and ensure the safety of the exhibits, which memorialize the enslaved people who lived in George Washington’s Philadelphia home during his presidency and were abruptly removed in January.

Stephen Colbert Says CBS Blocked Interview with Texas Democrat Over FCC Concerns

MSN – Scott Nover (Washington Post) | Published: 2/17/2026

CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert rebuked his own network, claiming lawyers for parent company Paramount Skydance prohibited him from airing an interview with Texas Rep. James Talarico, a U.S. Senate candidate, over concerns it would violate the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) equal time rule. The rule requires broadcasters to provide equal opportunity to candidates. News and talk show interviews have traditionally been exempt from the mandate. But in January, the FCC issued a public notice saying daytime and nighttime talk shows would have to apply for exemptions to the equal time rule for each of their programs.

Supreme Court to Use Software to Identify Justices’ Conflict of Interests

MSN – Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) | Published: 2/17/2026

The U.S. Supreme Court will begin using software to scan litigants’ filings to identify potential conflicts of interest that might require justices to step aside from cases. Parties before the court will be required to list stock-ticker symbols and make other disclosures to support the automated reviews. The software will compare information about parties and attorneys in a case with a list created by each justice’s chambers. The new rules will take effect in mid-March.  

Democratic Lawmakers Ask Watchdogs to Probe Whether Former Lobbyists Serving in Trump Administration Violated Ethics Rules

MSN – Sara Lynch (CBS News) | Published: 2/18/2026

Four Democratic lawmakers are asking the top internal watchdogs at 16 different federal agencies to investigate whether former lobbyists appointed by the Trump administration may have violated ethics rules to benefit their own former clients. Federal ethics rules generally bar government employees for one year from working on matters involving their former employers or clients. During Trump’s first term in office, he extended the recusal period to two years, though he has not issued any sort of ethics pledge during his second term in office.

How the US Supreme Court Set the Stage for Partisan Gerrymandering Arms Race

MSN – John Kruzel (Reuters) | Published: 2/14/2026

Recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings allowing starkly partisan voting maps to be used in the November midterm elections crucial to Donald Trump’s presidency highlight how a 2019 decision by the justices helped supercharge a political practice that polling shows most Americans oppose. The ruling by the justices in a 2019 case called Rucho v. Common Cause stripped federal courts of their power to police a practice known as partisan gerrymandering. It involves states redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts based on the partisan leanings of voters to boost a political party’s candidates.

Democratic-Led Cities Move to Block ICE, Setting Up Clash with Trump

MSN – Tim Craig (Washington Post) | Published: 2/18/2026

Elected Democrats in major U.S. cities have banded together to try to block the Trump administration from aggressive immigration operations such as the one now winding down in Minneapolis, issuing a slate of policy changes and vowing to prosecute agents who violate local laws. The policies broadly seek to restrict Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from city property and parks and, in some cases, direct local police to monitor the activities of federal agents.

Federal Court Blocks Hegseth Effort to Punish Democratic Senator

MSN – Connor O’Brien and Josh Gerstein (Politico) | Published: 2/12/2026

A federal judge sided with U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly to stop Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from punishing the former Navy captain for advising troops not to follow illegal orders. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Pentagon’s effort to demote Kelly’s rank and reduce his retirement pay. The decision is the second legal setback for the Trump administration’s campaign to punish Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers, who released a video last fall telling military personnel they do not have to adhere to illegal orders.

Trump Nominates Two Republicans to FEC, Paving Path to End Monthslong ‘Shutdown’

NOTUS – Taylor Giorno and Dave Levinthal | Published: 2/11/2026

President Trump nominated two Republicans to seats on the FEC, the first step toward reopening the idled federal campaign finance regulator as the 2026 midterms get underway. Trump nominated Andrew Woodson, a lawyer at Wiley Rein who previously worked for former FEC Chairperson Lee Goodman, and Ashley Stow, who previously worked with former FEC Commissioner Trey Trainor, to fill two of the four vacancies on the commission.

Meta Begins $65 Million Election Push to Advance AI Agenda

Seattle Times – Theodore Schleifer and Matt Zdun (New York Times) | Published: 2/18/2026

Meta is preparing to spend $65 million this year to boost state politicians who are friendly to the artificial intelligence industry. The sum is the biggest election investment by Meta. The company was previously cautious about campaign engagements, making small donations out of a corporate PAC and contributing to presidential inaugurations. It also let executives like Sheryl Sandberg, who was chief operating officer, support candidates in their personal capacities.

House Speaker Condemns Trump Justice Department Monitoring of Lawmakers’ Epstein Document Review

Yahoo News – Holmes Lybrand, Annie Grayer, and Manu Raju (CNN) | Published: 2/12/2026

Attorney General Pam Bondi obtained U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s search history of the unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the Justice Department’s tracking of lawmakers’ search history was inappropriate, a rare rebuke from the Republican who is usually in lockstep with the Trump administration. Jayapal said she did not know the Justice Department had surveilled her search until CNN contacted her for a comment on the matter.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – In Call, Alabama Power Lobbyist Sought Nonprofit’s Support for Bill Ending PSC Elections

Yahoo News – Ralph Chapoco (Alabama Reflector) | Published: 2/17/2026

A lobbyist for Alabama’s largest electric utility approached a nonprofit to persuade the organization to support legislation that would end popular elections to the state’s utility regulation board. R.B. Walker, director of state and federal governmental affairs for Alabama Power, told John Dodd, policy manager for Energy Alabama, the utility would not take an official position on the proposed legislation but said cited possible advantages for appointing members of the Alabama Public Service Commission. Dodd said in an interview he believed Alabama Power wanted the nonprofit to work for the bill without bringing the utility into the matter.

Arizona – Hobbs Releases Proposal to Reform Arizona’s Campaign Finance, Procurement and Lobbying Laws

KJZZ – Wayne Schutsky | Published: 2/17/2026

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs released long-awaited proposals to reform the state’s campaign finance and procurement laws in response to “pay-to-play” allegations lobbed against her administration by critics. But the governor is pairing those reforms with a ban on lobbyists entertaining state officials, including the lawmakers in the Republican-led Legislature that would have to vote to approve her proposal.

California – County Funds for Stopping Overdoses Instead Went to Personal Vacations, Prosecutors Say

MSN – Blake Nelson (San Diego Union-Tribune) | Published: 2/18/2026

At least $132,000 in San Diego County funds were illegally spent on plastic surgery, streaming subscriptions, and trips to Disneyland and Hawaii, among other personal expenses, prosecutors alleged. That money was supposed to go toward preventing and reversing drug overdoses amid an ongoing opioid epidemic. Officials announced six felony charges against Amy Knox, the former chief operating officer of the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego. If convicted, she faces up to seven years in prison.

California – Ex-San Leandro City Council Member Pleads Guilty in East Bay Bribery Case, Agrees to Work with Feds

MSN – Megan Cassidy (San Francisco Chronicle) | Published: 2/11/2026

Two days after announcing his retirement, San Leandro City Councilperson Bryan Azevedo pleaded guilty to two felony charges connected to a far-reaching corruption case intended to help a powerful East Bay family win contracts in Oakland in exchange for kickbacks. Azevedo was the last defendant to be charged and the first to have their case adjudicated in what prosecutors described as a bribery scheme tied to former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and leaders of a Bay Area recycling company.

California – Southern California Air Board Rejected Pollution Rules After AI-Generated Flood of Comments

MSN – Hayley Smith (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/17/2026

The opposition appeared overwhelming as thousands of emails poured into Southern California’s top air pollution authority as its board weighed proposal to phase out gas-powered appliances. But many of the messages that may have swayed the regulatory agency to scrap the plan were generated by a platform that is powered by artificial intelligence (AI). More than 20,000 public comments submitted in opposition to last year’s proposal were generated by a company called CiviClick, which bills itself as “the first and best AI-powered grassroots advocacy platform.”

Colorado – Colorado Capitol Caucuses Would Have to Disclose Their Donors, Spending Under Democratic Unity Bill

Colorado Sun – Taylor Dolven | Published: 2/13/2026

Colorado lawmakers would have to report who is donating to their caucuses and how they are spending that money under a bill brought in the wake of a dark money-funded retreat attended by a group of Democrats. Senate Bill 108 would require caucuses, committees, clubs. and other groups of lawmakers to file monthly reports with legislative staff detailing all money they received, accepted, or spent. The reports would then be posted online.

Georgia – Rick Jackson Sues Burt Jones Over Campaign Finance in Governor’s Race

MSN – Irene Wright (USA Today) | Published: 2/12/2026

Healthcare executive and political outsider Rick Jackson has been in the race for Georgia governor for just 10 days, but he Is already charging forward in the polls and taking on his opponents in court. Jackson’s campaign filed a lawsuit against Lt. Gov. Jones, and Attorney General Chris Carr (both running for governor), and other state officials alleging Jones’ campaign financing is unconstitutional.

Hawaii – Gov. Green Cancels Out-of-State Work Trip ‘to Ensure Steady Leadership’

Hawai’i Public Radio – Ashley Mizuo | Published: 2/12/2026

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green canceled his annual trip to the National Governors Association meeting. When a Hawaii governor physically leaves the state, the lieutenant governor becomes acting governor in their absence. This schedule change comes after Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke became the center of a story involving allegations an “influential lawmaker” accepted $35,000 in a paper bag during a January 2022 meeting. The claim came to light during the federal bribery investigation into former Rep. Ty Cullen and Sen. Kalani English.

Illinois – AIPAC Accused of Covert Campaigning as Democratic Support Falters

MSN – Matthew Choi (Washington Post) | Published: 2/18/2026

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a powerful pro-Israel organization, is masking its involvement in competitive Democratic primaries in Illinois, according to candidates in those races, who accuse the interest group of trying to quietly maintain its influence as Democrats reexamine their stance on Israel. AIPAC describes itself as a bipartisan organization; through its political arm, it has long supported Democrats and Republicans aligned with its mission.

Maine – Maine Legislature Asks Courts to Weigh in on Potential Ranked-Choice Voting Expansion

Yahoo News – Lauren McCauley (Maine Morning Star) | Published: 2/10/2026

Amid a pivotal election year, Maine lawmakers are asking the state’s highest court whether it would be legal to expand ranked-choice voting. The House and Senate passed Legislative Document 1666, which would expand the voting method to special and general elections for governor, state senator, and state representative. The governor had intended to veto the bill but was open to a solemn occasion, a rarely used action in which lawmakers can ask the Supreme Judicial Court to produce a nonbinding decision on the legality of pending legislation.

Massachusetts – Former State Police Union Head, Lobbyist Get More Prison Time for Fraud, Racketeering

MSN – Darin Zullo (Boston.com) | Published: 2/18/2026

Dana Pullman, a former Massachusetts State Police union president, and the union’s former lobbyist, Anne Lynch, were sentenced for racketeering, fraud, obstruction of justice, and tax crimes. Pullman was sentenced to two years in prison and Lynch was sentenced to 15 months in prison. After the defendants initial sentencing in 2023, The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals reversed some of the convictions while letting the others stand.

Michigan – Lobbyists Spent Record Amount on Free Meals for Michigan Lawmakers in 2025

Bridge Michigan – Simon Schuster | Published: 2/13/2026

Lobbyists spent a record amount of money providing free food and drink for Michigan lawmakers in 2025. Advocates for special interests in Lansing reported spending more than $485,000 entertaining legislators and members of the executive branch.  More than $180,000 was spent toward meals with individual legislators, a record amount and nearly $40,000 more than was spent in 2024, the next-highest year.

Nevada – Nevada Ethics Panel Advances Complaints Against AG Aaron Ford

Las Vegas Sun – Kyle Chouinard | Published: 2/17/2026

A review panel from the Nevada Commission on Ethics advanced a complaint against Attorney General Aaron Ford to the rest of the commission. The complaint accuses Ford of using his position to “benefit his private interests,” including by accepting more than $35,000 in “luxury” trips from the Attorney General Alliance (AGA). Ross Armstrong, executive director of the commission, wrote in the complaint that the AGA was “largely funded by corporations, some of which are subject to regulation or litigation before his office.”

Nevada – Nevada Staffer Faces Ethics Complaints for Federal Official’s Visit

MSN – McKenna Ross (Las Vegas Review-Journal) | Published: 2/16/2026

Two complaints filed with the Nevada Commission on Ethics allege the lieutenant governor’s chief of staff used his position in state government to promote a charter school network and its software platform to a Trump administration cabinet member. The complaint says Rudy Pamintuan used his government role to benefit his private position with the charter school by inviting Education Secretary Linda McMahon to a local event where his business partner demonstrated their artificial-intelligence software.

New Jersey – Bombshell Corruption Case Is Over. N.J. Fails to Prove Dem Power Broker Did Anything Wrong.

Yahoo News – Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) | Published: 2/17/2026

The state attorney general’s office said it will not appeal the dismissal of a sweeping corruption indictment against political powerbroker George Norcross III before the New Jersey Supreme Court. Nearly three weeks after an appellate panel upheld the tossing criminal charges, officials said the state was turning the page on the long-fought and controversial investigation, bringing an end to the politically charged case involving the powerful Democratic boss.

New Mexico – Lobbying Transparency Bill Awaits House Floor Hearing

New Mexico In Depth – Marjorie Childress | Published: 2/13/2026

A bill that would require lobbyists in New Mexico to publicly disclose which legislation they are working to influence and whether they support or oppose passed its final House committee, but has since lingered, waiting for a floor vote before it can move to the Senate. Meanwhile, the legislative clock is ticking.

New York – White House Fires U.S. Attorney in N.Y. Hours After Judges Appointed Him

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 2/12/2026

Federal judges in Albany, New York, appointed a new U.S. attorney recently, exercising a rarely invoked legal authority to appoint top prosecutors in regions without a Senate-confirmed nominee. Their choice lasted less than five hours on the job. Donald Kinsella, a former prosecutor, was summarily fired via an email from the White House later that evening. Kinsella’s termination sent a signal to judges in several other federal court districts who have announced plans to make similar replacements of Trump-installed prosecutors whose appointments have been deemed invalid by the courts.

Ohio – Ex-Ethics Chief: FirstEnergy CEO blessed payment at heart of bribery trial

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/12/2026

Former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones signed off on a $4.3 million payment that prosecutors say was a bribe to a man who was about to become the state’s top utility regulator, a former company official testified. Ebony Yeboah-Amankwah, who was the company’s chief ethics officer until she was fired in 2020, also said the company’s then-top lobbyist, Mike Dowling, pushed other officials to speed up the payment. Jones and Dowling face corruption charges centered around accusations they bribed former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo in 2018 and 2019.

Ohio – Misconduct Accusations, Conflicting Testimony Roil FirstEnergy Trial

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/17/2026

The trial of two former FirstEnergy executives accused of bribery turned messy. Two major snags and an Ohio Supreme Court ruling against the presiding judge overshadowed testimony and slowed the trial of former Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and top lobbyist Michael Dowling, who are accused of bribing a former state utility regulator. The day unfolded outside the jury’s view and included defense attorneys asking a judge to toss out the case and a rare request from prosecutors to allow defense attorneys to view a key witness’ grand jury testimony.

Ohio – Witness Details How Ohio Regulator’s Decisions Enriched FirstEnergy in Bribery Trial

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/18/2026

A former FirstEnergy executive testified that decisions by former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo helped the utility avoid an estimated $150 million “haircut” to its annual revenue and reap roughly $79 million in additional profits over two years. Eileen Mikkelsen, FirstEnergy’s former vice president of rates and regulatory affairs, gave her testimony on the 10th day of the bribery trial of former Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and former company lobbyist Michael Dowling.

Oklahoma – Oklahoma Commission Seeking Fix as Local Candidates Can’t File Finance Reports

MSN – Alex Gladden (Oklahoman) | Published: 2/13/2026

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is combating a new hurdle with its troubled campaign finance website, as it cannot accept reports from local candidates, though officials hoped a solution would have been in place months ago. This comes after months of problems with the state’s website that logs campaign donations. The site was down for three months in 2025 as the commission waited on RFD & Associates to build a new website. The site, Guardian 2.0, never materialized.

Oregon – Can Oregon Officials Text Each Other About City Business? State Lawmakers Want to Clarify

MSN – Austin De Dios (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 2/17/2026

Oregon legislators are considering making changes to a law that bars city councils and other government bodies from secretly hashing out decisions via private text messages, chats, or other means, after elected officials complained the law was too confusing and a city lobbying group bashed state trainings on the rules. At issue is a section of state law that prohibits local officials from effectively bypassing Oregon’s open government mandate through “serial communications” by texting, calling, or otherwise talking to each other outside of public meetings.

Pennsylvania – Treasury Officials Question Whether Taxpayers Can Legally Pay for Security Upgrades at Shapiro’s Family Home

Yahoo News – Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) | Published: 2/18/2026

Last year, Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement agency revealed taxpayers would pick up the tab for more than $1 million in security upgrades to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s privately owned family home in Montgomery County. But the plan to use public dollars for the entirety of the work there has hit a roadblock. The state Treasury Department is questioning whether procurement rules permit public money to be used for construction work on a non-state-owned property like Shapiro’s house.

Texas – Voting Controversy: Pastor on ballot raises concerns for conflict of interest at Dallas polling site

Yahoo News – Brittani Moncrease (WFAA) | Published: 2/16/2026

Friendship-West Baptist Church is a voting location in Dallas. The polling site has come into question with some calling it a conflict-of-interest. Mallory Caraway, a candidate in Texas’s 30th Congressional District race, said voting at the church raises concern because its senior pastor, Frederick Haynes III, is on the ballot.

Virginia – Va. Supreme Court Paves Way for Democrats to Add Four Seats in Congress

MSN – Gregory Schneider (Washington Post) | Published: 2/13/2026

The Virginia Supreme Court paved the way for state Democrats to move forward with a plan that would enable them to add four Democratic-leaning congressional districts, but the effort’s fate will still be under court review. The ruling means the Virginia General Assembly can hold an April 21 statewide referendum on redrawing the state’s congressional map. A circuit court judge in Tazewell County had blocked the referendum, which seeks to amend the state constitution to temporarily allow mid-decade redistricting in time for this fall’s congressional midterm elections.

Virginia – ‘Us Versus Them’: The battle that’s tearing a small Virginia town apart

MSN – Paul Schwartzman (Washington Post) | Published: 2/16/2026

Small towns often are known for their quirky, insular intrigue, but the drama unfolding in Purcellville, a Virginia exurb that is a 50-mile drive west of the District of Columbia, is a brass-knuckled version of quaint. The battle is rooted in tensions that often divide communities across the country – change versus status quo, growth versus no growth – only in Purcellville the weapons are lawsuits, an attempted citizen revolt, and the kind of ferocious rhetoric that defines much of public life in contemporary America.

West Virginia – WV Senate Passes Bill to Keep Employer Info for Political Donors Off Public Campaign Finance Reports

Yahoo News – Caity Coyne (West Virginia Watch) | Published: 2/16/2026

The West Virginia Senate approved a bill that will stop the public from accessing certain information about people who donate to candidates and campaigns. Senate Bill 640 would stop the secretary of state’s office or any other government agency from publicly posting information that some lawmakers say could be used by advocates to target political donors.

Wyoming – ‘Strapped at the Cap’: Lawmakers and lobbyists take advantage of the Wyoming Capitol’s repealed gun-free zone

MSN – Maya Shimizu Harris (WyoFile) | Published: 2/16/2026

The 2026 budget session is the first time that lawmakers and others are allowed to bring concealed firearms into the Capitol while the Wyoming Legislature conducts its business. Rep. Jeremy Haroldson sponsored the bill that allows this. Haroldson had run bills to repeal gun-free zones in Wyoming every year since becoming a lawmaker in 2021.

Wyoming – Wyoming Lawmakers Will Investigate Checks Activist Gave to Legislators on House Floor

MSN – Maggie Mullen (WyoFile) | Published: 2/12/2026

The Wyoming House voted to launch an investigation after a conservative activist handed out campaign contributions to lawmakers on the chamber floor. The unanimous vote in a legislative body that is normally heavily divided illustrates how much, and how quickly, the incident reverberated through the state Capitol and beyond. Rebecca Bextel, who unsuccessfully sought the top leadership spot of the state Republican Party last year, admitted to handing out checks on the House floor. Bextel said there was no wrongdoing in “delivering lawful campaign checks from Teton County donors when I am in Cheyenne.”

Wyoming – Gov. Mark Gordon Bans Campaign Contributions in State Buildings in Response to Wyoming Check Controversy

MSN – Jasmine Hall (Jackson Hole News&Guide) | Published: 2/17/2026

Gov. Mark Gordon signed an executive order banning campaign contributions in state buildings, bringing the executive branch into an expanding controversy centered on checks handed to lawmakers in the Wyoming Capitol. The ban applies to state facilities and commercial buildings where the state leases space, including the Capitol. It does not apply to areas controlled by the Wyoming Legislature, including the Senate and House floor, which is where the controversy started after a conservative activist was photographed handing checks to lawmakers.

Campaign Finance

Wyoming: “Gov. Mark Gordon Bans Campaign Contributions in State Buildings in Response to Wyoming Check Controversy” by Jasmine Hall (Jackson Hole News&Guide) for MSN

Elections

Illinois: “AIPAC Accused of Covert Campaigning as Democratic Support Falters” by Matthew Choi (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

Arizona: “Hobbs Releases Proposal to Reform Arizona’s Campaign Finance, Procurement and Lobbying Laws” by Wayne Schutsky for KJZZ

National: “Supreme Court to Use Software to Identify Justices’ Conflict of Interests” by Justin Jouvenal (Washington Post) for MSN

Ohio: “Misconduct Accusations, Conflicting Testimony Roil FirstEnergy Trial” by Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) for MSN

Pennsylvania: “Treasury Officials Question Whether Taxpayers Can Legally Pay for Security Upgrades at Shapiro’s Family Home” by Angela Couloumbis (Spotlight PA) for Yahoo News

Lobbying

Alabama: “In Call, Alabama Power Lobbyist Sought Nonprofit’s Support for Bill Ending PSC Elections” by Ralph Chapoco (Alabama Reflector) for Yahoo News

National: “Democratic Lawmakers Ask Watchdogs to Probe Whether Former Lobbyists Serving in Trump Administration Violated Ethics Rules” by Sara Lynch (CBS News) for MSN

Redistricting

National: “How the US Supreme Court Set the Stage for Partisan Gerrymandering Arms Race” by John Kruzel (Reuters) for MSN

Campaign Finance

West Virginia: “WV Senate Passes Bill to Keep Employer Info for Political Donors Off Public Campaign Finance Reports” by Caity Coyne (West Virginia Watch) for Yahoo News

Elections

Texas: “Voting Controversy: Pastor on ballot raises concerns for conflict of interest at Dallas polling site” by Brittani Moncrease (WFAA) for Yahoo News

Ethics

National: “Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore Slavery Exhibits to the President’s House” by Abraham Gutman and Fallon Roth (Philadelphia Inquirer) for MSN

National: “Stephen Colbert Says CBS Blocked Interview with Texas Democrat Over FCC Concerns” by Scott Nover (Washington Post) for MSN

New Jersey: “Bombshell Corruption Case Is Over. N.J. Fails to Prove Dem Power Broker Did Anything Wrong.” by Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) for Yahoo News

Oregon: “Can Oregon Officials Text Each Other About City Business? State Lawmakers Want to Clarify” by Austin De Dios (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Lobbying

California: “Southern California Air Board Rejected Pollution Rules After AI-Generated Flood of Comments” by Hayley Smith (Los Angeles Times) for MSN

Michigan: “Lobbyists Spent Record Amount on Free Meals for Michigan Lawmakers in 2025” by Simon Schuster for Bridge Michigan

Campaign Finance

Colorado: “Colorado Capitol Caucuses Would Have to Disclose Their Donors, Spending Under Democratic Unity Bill” by Taylor Dolven for Colorado Sun

Georgia: “Rick Jackson Sues Burt Jones Over Campaign Finance in Governor’s Race” by Irene Wright (USA Today) for MSN

Elections

Maine: “Maine Legislature Asks Courts to Weigh in on Potential Ranked-Choice Voting Expansion” by Lauren McCauley (Maine Morning Star) for Yahoo News

Ethics

Nevada: “Nevada Staffer Faces Ethics Complaints for Federal Official’s Visit” by McKenna Ross (Las Vegas Review-Journal) for MSN

Virginia: “‘Us Versus Them’: The battle that’s tearing a small Virginia town apart” by Paul Schwartzman (Washington Post) for MSN

Legislative Issues

Wyoming: “‘Strapped at the Cap’: Lawmakers and lobbyists take advantage of the Wyoming Capitol’s repealed gun-free zone” by Maya Shimizu Harris (WyoFile) for MSN

Lobbying

New Mexico: “Lobbying Transparency Bill Awaits House Floor Hearing” by Marjorie Childress for New Mexico In Depth

Redistricting

Virginia: “Va. Supreme Court Paves Way for Democrats to Add Four Seats in Congress” by Gregory Schneider (Washington Post) for MSN

National/Federal

This Supreme Court Decision Could Upend Millions in Political Spending Ahead of the Midterms. Here’s How the Parties Are Preparing.

MSN – Elena Schneider and Andrew Howard (Politico) | Published: 2/5/2026

Democratic consultants expected to submit bids to their House campaign committee for contracts to cut up to $100 million worth of television ads by late summer last year. But as the 2026 midterms drew closer, no invitation ever came, a concrete sign of how the political parties are preparing for a potential earthquake in how the battle for Congress is waged. A Supreme Court case could drastically upend how hundreds of millions of dollars are raised and spent every cycle in the fight for control of Congress.

D.C. Grand Jury Declines to Indict Six Democratic Lawmakers

MSN – Perry Stein and Salvador Rizzo (Washington Post) | Published: 2/10/2026

A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia refused the Justice Department’s attempts to indict six Democratic lawmakers over their comments to military service members, the latest rebuke of the Trump administration’s push to prosecute the president’s foes. Federal prosecutors last year launched an investigation into the lawmakers, all of whom served in the military or with intelligence agencies, after they released a short video advising current military members to reject “illegal orders.”

Survey Says Democracies’ Anti-Corruption Efforts Are Slipping and Raises Concern About the U.S.

MSN – Geir Moulson (Los Angeles Times) | Published: 2/10/2026

Established democracies’ efforts against public-sector corruption appear to be flagging, according to a survey released that serves as a barometer of perceived corruption worldwide. It raised concern about developments in the United States. The U.S. was down one point from 2024 for its worst showing yet under the methodology Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index started using for its global ranking in 2012, putting it in 29th place in the first year of President Trump’s second term.

‘Another Reminder’: Capitol Hill braces for Trump ethics standoff over crypto bill

MSN – Declan Harty and Jasper Goodman (Politico) | Published: 2/5/2026

A new controversy over President Trump’s ties to the cryptocurrency industry is sharpening Democratic demands that a sweeping digital assets bill include a provision reining in the first family’s crypto empire. Even as the White House presses Congress to pass the industry-friendly legislation, the Trump family’s growing crypto businesses are emerging as an unavoidable obstacle after news that an Abu Dhabi royal backed a $500-million investment in a Trump-linked venture called World Liberty Financial.

Legality of Trump’s $400M in Private Funding for White House Ballroom at Issue

MSN – Dan Diamond, Aaron Schaffer, and Jonathan Edwards (Washington Post) | Published: 2/10/2026

A federal judge is expected to soon rule on whether President Trump’s planned $400 million White House ballroom project can proceed, zeroing in on whether the administration’s plan to rely on private donations allows it to bypass congressional approval. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon, congressional Democrats, and watchdog groups have questioned an arrangement that relies on donations from corporations with business before the federal government, funneled through a nonprofit intermediary that stands to collect millions of dollars in fees, to fund the most significant alteration to the White House in decades.

Embattled Labor Secretary Has History of Questionable Spending That Eluded Congress

MSN – Robert Schmad (Washington Examiner) | Published: 2/10/2026

Public records spanning more than a decade suggest Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has long used funds derived from donors and taxpayers to cover luxury expenses, a now-relevant detail that did not come up during her confirmation hearing. Chavez-DeRemer is facing allegations of improperly using the Labor Department to commit “travel fraud” by ordering her top staffers to “make up” official trips to select destinations so that she could spend time with friends and family on the public’s dime, according to a complaint.

National Guard Troops Were Quietly Withdrawn from Some U.S. Cities

MSN – Tara Copp and Alex Horton (Washington Post) | Published: 2/11/2026

The Trump administration has withdrawn all federalized National Guard troops from U.S. cities, after its repeated attempts to surge forces into Democratic-run states encountered judicial roadblocks. It is a remarkable turnabout after Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had insisted the mobilizations were necessary to combat what they claimed was unchecked violence and to support enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws.

Lutnick Distances Himself from Epstein, Says He Had Lunch on His Island

MSN – Maegan Vazquez (Washington Post) | Published: 2/10/2026

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told members of Congress he and his family had lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on his Caribbean island, but he denied any suggestion he had a meaningful relationship with the convicted sex offender. Lutnick said last year that he and his wife decided to distance themselves from Epstein around 2005. But exchanges recently released by the Justice Department related to Epstein show Lutnick and Epstein continued to remain in contact after that.

Republicans Rarely Criticize Trump in His Second Term. A Racist Post Briefly Changed That

MSN – Matt Brown (Associated Press) | Published: 2/7/2026

President Trump received rare blowback from Republican lawmakers over a video posted to social media that included a racist image of former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, depicted as primates. Since Trump’s return to the White House, Republican lawmakers have tread carefully when disagreeing with the president, often communicating their concerns in private for fear of suffering his wrath.

DOJ Seeks to Undo Bannon’s Conviction for Defying Jan. 6 Subpoena

MSN – Salvador Rizzo and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 2/9/2026

The Justice Department is taking steps to throw out Stephen Bannon’s conviction for defying a congressional subpoena about the Capitol riot, its latest shift in a legal position to benefit a close ally of President Trump. The department asked the Supreme Court to send Bannon’s case back to the district court, where the U.S. attorney filed a separate motion seeking to dismiss the charges against him.

For $1 Million, Donors to U.S.A. Birthday Group Offered Access to Trump

Seattle Times – Kenneth Vogel, Lisa Friedman, and David Fahrenthold (New York Times) | Published: 2/8/2026

President Trump’s allies are offering access to him and other perks to donors who give at least $1 million to a new group supporting initiatives he is planning around the nation’s 250th birthday. The group, Freedom 250, has emerged as another vehicle, akin to the White House ballroom project, through which people and companies with interests before the Trump administration can make tax-deductible donations to gain access to, and seek favor with, a president who has maintained a keen interest in fundraising, and a willingness to use the levers of government power to reward financial supporters.

Man Who Tried to Shoot Trump at a Florida Golf Course Gets Life in Prison

Yahoo News – David Fischer (Associated Press) | Published: 2/4/2026

A man convicted of trying to assassinate President Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced to life in prison. Ryan Routh was convicted of trying to assassinate a major presidential candidate, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime, assaulting a federal officer, possessing a firearm as a felon, and using a gun with a defaced serial number.

State Election Officials Brace for Possible Trump Interference in Midterm Results

Yahoo News – Erin Doherty and Andrew Howard (Politico) | Published: 2/6/2026

Top bipartisan election officials from around the country are growing increasingly alarmed by what they see as President Trump’s unprecedented push to interfere in the midterm elections. A series of recent moves – from his administration’s requests for access to state voter rolls to a surprise FBI raid at a Fulton County election office – have solidified those concerns, with more than a dozen election officials from both parties saying they fear Trump is laying the groundwork to undermine results still months away.

From the States and Municipalities

Alabama – Orr: Bill would close nonprofit ‘loophole’ in campaign finance law

Alabama Daily News – Mary Sell | Published: 2/10/2026

Nonprofit organizations making campaign contributions in Alabama would have to report their donors under recently filed legislation. Senate Bill 220 would require nonprofits that make contributions to register as “political donor organizations” and report their activities on a schedule determined by the secretary of state.

California – Anaheim’s City Manager Resigns

Voice of OC – Hosam Elattar | Published: 2/3/2026

Anaheim City Manager Jim Vanderpool, whose tenure was plagued by a City Hall corruption scandal, resigned amid renewed scrutiny and questions over his close ties to resort interests investigated by FBI agents. Recently, Vanderpool started facing questions on why he did not disclose he went on an Anaheim Chamber of Commerce paid trip to Lake Havasu with city officials about to vote to finalize the chamber-backed Angel Stadium deal in 2020.

Georgia – Georgia Senate Passes Bill to Police Out-of-State Campaign Money

Capitol Beat News Service – Mark Niesse | Published: 2/5/2026

Millions of dollars of out-of-state campaign money flowing into Georgia could soon be more strongly policed in the wake of mysterious political ads and big spending on recent elections. A bipartisan state Senate passed a bill that allows the state’s ethics commission to seek subpoenas against groups or individuals located in other states who are suspected of breaking Georgia campaign finance laws, such as contribution limits or transparency requirements.

Georgia – FBI Cited Debunked Claims to Obtain Warrant for Fulton County Vote Records, Documents Show

MSN – Jeremy Roebuck and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) | Published: 2/10/2026

The FBI relied heavily on previously debunked claims of widespread election irregularities in Georgia as it persuaded a federal judge to sign off on plans to seize 2020 voting records from the state’s most populous county, court documents show. In a pair of search warrant affidavits, authorities said they were seeking evidence that would determine whether “deficiencies” in the vote tabulation in Fulton County, home to Atlanta, were the result of intentional wrongdoing that could constitute a crime.

Georgia – Fulton County Goes to Court to Demand Return of Ballots Seized by FBI

MSN – Mark Berman and Jeremy Roebuck (Washington Post) | Published: 2/4/2026

Officials in Georgia filed a court challenge seeking the return of scores of election records seized by federal agents from a warehouse in Fulton County, which has been central to right-wing conspiracy theories about President Trump’s loss in the 2020 presidential election. Robb Pitts, chairperson of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, vowed that county officials would use “every resource” to secure ballots and other material and cast the court fight as part of a broader effort to ensure the future of independent elections.

Hawaii – $35K Case: New development sparks calls for independent probe

Honolulu Civil Beat – Christina Jedra | Published: 2/10/2026

A coalition of government accountability advocates is calling on the Hawaii attorney general to recuse herself from the investigation into a lawmaker who took $35,000 in a paper bag and instead appoint an independent prosecutor. The demand comes after Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told multiple media organizations that she might be the “influential” state lawmaker the Department of Justice identified during a federal bribery investigation. Luke said she did not take that much, and it came in the form of two campaign contribution checks over dinner.

Indiana – Jennifer-Ruth Green Broke State Ethics Law. Her Donors Helped Pay Her Legal Expenses

MSN – Hayleigh Colombo and Ryan Murphy (Indianapolis Star) | Published: 2/11/2026

Former congressional candidate Jennifer-Ruth Green launched her short-lived campaign amid a state ethics investigation into her conduct as part of Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s cabinet before dropping out of the race about three months later. But she used her federal campaign account to pay for legal expenses associated with the probe, a move that is raising red flags with campaign finance and ethics experts.

Maryland – Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Said He’s Working with Judges on Redistricting, Prompting Ethics Concerns

MSN – Tinashe Chingarande (Baltimore Sun) | Published: 2/9/2026

When asked recently if Maryland Courts might strike down his efforts to redraw congressional districts to stamp out the state’s only Republican seat, Gov. Wes Moore told “MS NOW” his team has been “working with judges” to prepare for legal challenges. The statement raised ethical red flags among some law professors and Republicans.

Michigan – Departing Head of Major State Government Agency Registers as Lobbyist

MSN – Paul Egan (Detroit Free Press) | Published: 2/4/2026

A former member of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s cabinet has registered as a Lansing lobbyist, days after resigning as director of a major state government agency, prompting renewed “revolving door” concerns in Michigan. Michelle Lange, who stepped down as director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget on January 31, registered as a lobbyist with the law firm Dykema on February 3, state records show.

Missouri – Missouri House Backs Bill to Ban Candidates from Using Automatic Recurring Donations

Yahoo News – Rudi Keller (Missouri Independent) | Published: 2/4/2026

A bill aimed at curbing the use of automatically recurring campaign donations, a fundraising tactic employed by a prominent Republican candidate, won first-round approval without opposition in the Missouri House. The bill would prohibit candidates from setting up recurring contributions without explicit authorization from donors. It also would require campaigns to shut off recurring donations once an election is over.

Nebraska – Pillen Team Offers New Explanation for Timing of $2.5 Million No-Bid Emergency Contract

MSN – Aaron Sanderford (Nebraska Examiner) | Published: 2/5/2026

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen’s administration, facing scrutiny for a no-bid emergency contract with a lobbyist to whom he steered more than $2 million in state money, again changed its story about how and why the contract was awarded. A gubernatorial spokesperson said Global Sustainability LLC executive Julie Bushell had already been helping the state, free of charge, boost a federal grant application during the Biden administration, so it made sense to award the formal contract to her once lawmakers approved the funding for it. But that is at least the third different story the Pillen administration has told about the contract.

Nevada – Lombardo’s 2025 Campaign Fundraising Heavily Reliant on Donors Using Legal Loophole to Give More

MSN – Eric Neugeboren (Nevada Independent) | Published: 2/8/2026

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo’s 2025 campaign fundraising haul of $4.3 million relied heavily on so-called bundling arrangements, where donors are easily and legally able to skirt contribution limits by sending donations through different names. About $1.9 million of Lombardo’s fundraising total came from these kinds of arrangements, which The Nevada Independent defined as donations from entities with known connections or with the same listed address that totaled more than the single-cycle contribution limit. This made up about 44 percent of his campaign’s haul.

New York – Conflicts Board Slaps Adams for Cuomo Whistle Low Blow

MSN – Katie Honan (The City) | Published: 2/9/2026

Former Mayor Eric Adams was fined $4,000 for an August 2025 press conference where he ordered City Hall staff to buy whistles to make a political opponent look bad. Adams had his staffers put whistles on reporters’ chairs as dig at Andrew Cuomo who was running for New York City mayor and faced sexual harassment allegations as governor.

Ohio – Jury Can Hear How HB 6 Hiked Electric Bills in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial

MSN – Adam Ferrise (Cleveland Plain Dealer) | Published: 2/9/2026

Prosecutors can tell a jury in the FirstEnergy bribery trial that customers’ electricity rates spiked because of the House Bill 6 scandal that erupted in 2019, a judge ruled. Assistant Ohio Attorney General Matthew Meyer had argued in a prior hearing the evidence was crucial to prosecutors’ case that former FirstEnergy Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jones and onetime top lobbyist Michael Dowling paid a $4.3 million bribe to former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairperson Sam Randazzo.

Ohio – Former FirstEnergy Lawyer Says He Was Troubled by Randazzo Agreement

MSN – Patrick Williams (Akron Beacon Journal) | Published: 2/10/2026

A former lawyer for FirstEnergy said he was not sure why the company agreed to pay Sam Randazzo hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for five years. Mark Hayden formerly worked as an attorney at FirstEnergy Services Co., a subsidiary of the Akron-based electric utility. Hayden testified he held “a number of concerns” about an agreement that FirstEnergy Services Company had with Sam Randazzo, who at the time was a prominent attorney in the energy space. Later, in 2019, Randazzo became chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, a state regulatory agency.

Oregon – Oregon House Republicans Test Rule Barring Political Donations During Session

KLCC – Dirk VanderHart (OPB) | Published: 2/6/2026

The rules of Oregon’s House of Representatives are clear: representatives cannot accept campaign donations during a legislative session. As he runs for governor, state Rep. Ed Diehl is doing it anyway. The contributions buck decades of practice in the House, but they also might be perfectly legitimate.

Oregon – Key Pieces of Oregon’s Campaign Finance Overhaul Could Be Delayed Under Democrats’ Proposal

MSN – Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) | Published: 2/10/2026

Two years after Oregon lawmakers approved new limits on and oversight of political contributions, a top Democrat has proposed delaying major pieces of the campaign finance law, leaving the limits intact but pushing back some other provisions by several years. An amended version of House Bill 4018 represents the first substantial step that lawmakers have taken to refine the 2024 law since they rushed to craft and approve the policy. Key aspects of the law, including the limits on campaign contributions, are set to go into effect next January.

Texas – Austin Officials Correct Campaign Donation Cap After Providing Incorrect Information

MSN – Chaya Tong (Austin American-Statesman) | Published: 2/6/2026

Individual donors to Austin City Council candidates may contribute up to $500 per election, not $450 as previously stated by city officials. The clarification follows recent reporting that raised questions about whether Councilperson Paige Ellis had accepted campaign contributions exceeding the city’s individual contribution limit. At the time, both Ellis and the city told the media the limit was $450.

Virginia – Virginia Democrats Quickly Approve Proposed Redistricting Map

MSN – Gregory Schneider (Washington Post) | Published: 2/10/2026

Virginia Democrats approved legislation setting out proposed political maps that could give them a 10-to-one advantage in the state’s congressional districts during elections this fall, setting the stage to send the matter to Gov. Abigail Spanberger. The maps are part of a multistep process that still faces a legal challenge and would have to be approved by state voters before going into effect.

Campaign Finance

Alabama: “Orr: Bill would close nonprofit ‘loophole’ in campaign finance law” by Mary Sell for Alabama Daily News

Indiana: “Jennifer-Ruth Green Broke State Ethics Law. Her Donors Helped Pay Her Legal Expenses” by Hayleigh Colombo and Ryan Murphy (Indianapolis Star) for MSN

Oregon: “Key Pieces of Oregon’s Campaign Finance Overhaul Could Be Delayed Under Democrats’ Proposal” by Carlos Fuentes (Portland Oregonian) for MSN

Elections

Georgia: “FBI Cited Debunked Claims to Obtain Warrant for Fulton County Vote Records, Documents Show” by Jeremy Roebuck and Patrick Marley (Washington Post) for MSN

Ethics

National: “D.C. Grand Jury Declines to Indict Six Democratic Lawmakers” by Perry Stein and Salvador Rizzo (Washington Post) for MSN

Hawaii: “$35K Case: New development sparks calls for independent probe” by Christina Jedra for Honolulu Civil Beat

Ohio: “Former FirstEnergy Lawyer Says He Was Troubled by Randazzo Agreement” by Patrick Williams (Akron Beacon Journal) for MSN

Lobbying

Michigan: “Departing Head of Major State Government Agency Registers as Lobbyist” by Paul Egan (Detroit Free Press) for MSN

Redistricting

Virginia: “Virginia Democrats Quickly Approve Proposed Redistricting Map” by Gregory Schneider (Washington Post) for MSN